Kayaking in the Whitsundays
Kayaking in the Whitsundays

Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns

Mixed Board Basis 15 nights from €3,899 per person Including Flights

Overview

Now is the perfect time to explore Australia on your terms with this budget-friendly tour designed for young travellers. Turn your "must-do" list into a "been there, done that" experience on this 16-day adventure along Australia's East Coast. This classic Sydney-to-Cairns route showcases both sides of modern Australia — the bright lights of the city and the untamed beauty of the rugged coastline.

You’ll have the chance to try everything from surfing to sailing and snorkelling. With small group travel, you'll connect with locals and experience their land just as they do. That exciting new frontier you've been searching for? It's right here.

Whats included?
  • Flights & taxes
  • Accommodation
  • Checked baggage
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  • In resort assistance & 24 hour contact centre
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Please note that most 18-to-35s accommodation in Australia is multi-share. For more information, please refer to your Important Information.

Day 1

Sydney

Arrive at any time.

Start your trip with a lively night out at Side Bar, connected to your accommodation at the Wake Up Hostel in Sydney. This bar is the hotspot for locals and travellers alike, with non-stop entertainment and an energetic atmosphere. Get ready for drinks, dancing, and meeting new people!

There are no planned activities during the day, so check in and explore the city. If you arrive early, head to The Rocks, a historic area by the harbour.

Optional Activity:

The Rocks Neighbourhood Visit
Explore this historic colonial neighbourhood with its cobbled alleyways, cafés, pubs, and charming shops. Get a great view of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Overnight: Wake Up! Sydney (or similar) Hostel

Day 2

Sydney

Spend your free day exploring Sydney, Australia's oldest and largest city. Take a ferry across the harbour and admire the iconic Opera House, wander through historic laneways, or relax at Bondi Beach. You can also opt for a scenic flyover tour of the city.

Overnight: Wake Up! Sydney (or similar) Hostel

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3

Sydney to Arrawarra

Today, travel by train to Coffs Harbour, then continue by private vehicle to Spot X Surf Camp, where you'll stay for the next few days.

Train from Sydney to Coffs Harbour: 9 hours
Relax and enjoy the views during the train journey.

Private Vehicle from Coffs Harbour to Arrawarra: 45 minutes
Settle into your accommodation and enjoy the scenery.

Overnight: Spot X Surf Camp (or similar) Lodge

Meals included: Dinner

Day 4

Arrawarra

Wake up early for an included surf lesson at Spot X, located on one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Australia. Afterward, enjoy some time in the waves before heading out on a kangaroo trek. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax, explore, or enjoy a picnic at Mullawarra Beach.

Overnight: Spot X Surf Camp (or similar) Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5

Arrawarra to Byron Bay

Drive to Byron Bay, a vibrant surf and arts town. Have lunch and then walk to Cape Byron Lighthouse, the easternmost point of Australia. Keep an eye out for migrating whales or resident dolphins.

Private Vehicle from Arrawarra to Byron Bay: 3 hours

Overnight: Wake Up! Byron Bay (or similar) Hostel

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6

Byron Bay

Explore Byron Bay’s surf culture and relax on its beautiful beaches. You can go skydiving, sea kayaking, or watch dolphins. Don’t miss out on one last surf session, as Byron Bay is known for its perfect waves!

Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking: Book ahead to add this experience to your tour.

Overnight: Wake Up! Byron Bay (or similar) Hostel

Day 7

Byron Bay to Brisbane

Travel north to Brisbane, Queensland’s capital. Along the way, enjoy the beautiful landscape and stop for an included visit to the Daisy Hill Koala Centre, where you can observe rescue koalas in their natural habitat.

Private Vehicle from Byron Bay to Brisbane: 4 hours

Overnight: BUNK Brisbane (or similar) Hostel

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8

Brisbane to K'gari (Fraser Island)

Rise early for your journey to K'gari (Fraser Island), the world's largest sand island. Upon arrival, enjoy a traditional welcome ceremony by the Butchulla people. Then, embark on a 4WD adventure, exploring the island’s natural beauty, swimming at Lake McKenzie, and enjoying a sunset beach walk.

Private Vehicle from Brisbane to Rainbow Beach: 2 hours 45 minutes

Overnight:The Eco Retreat (or similar) Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9

K'gari (Fraser Island) to Noosa

Today, you’ll tour K'gari, climb sand dunes, see the Maheno shipwreck, and swim at Eli Creek. Afterward, head to Noosa for some relaxation.

Private Vehicle from K'gari to Noosa: 1.5 hours

Overnight: Bounce Noosa (or similar) Hostel
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10

Noosa

Take a scenic hike in Noosa National Park, enjoying stunning coastal views and the chance to spot koalas in their natural habitat. The afternoon is yours to relax, shop, or surf.

Overnight: Bounce Noosa (or similar) Hostel

Day 11

Noosa to Airlie Beach

Spend the morning in Noosa before catching an overnight train to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands.

Overnight Train to Airlie Beach
Settle in for a comfortable journey to the Whitsundays.

Day 12

Airlie Beach

Arrive in Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy free time to relax, shop, or take a day trip to the reef.

Overnight: Nomads Airlie Beach Hostel (or similar) Hostel

Day 13

Whitsunday Islands

Embark on an ocean raft excursion to explore the stunning Whitsunday Islands. Swim at Whitehaven Beach, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy beach time.

Overnight: Nomads Airlie Beach Hostel (or similar) Hostel

Meals included: Lunch

Day 14:

Airlie Beach to Cairns

Depart early for Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy scenic stops along the way.

Private Vehicle from Airlie Beach to Cairns: 7–8 hours

Overnight: Cairns Central YHA (or similar) Hostel

Day 15

Cairns

Take advantage of your free day in Cairns. Book an optional activity like snorkelling or skydiving, or simply relax and enjoy the city. In the evening, celebrate with your new friends on a Big Night Out.

Overnight: Cairns Central YHA (or similar) Hostel

Day 16

Departure Day

Depart at any time.


 

Introduction
Now's the time to explore Australia on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Turn your "must-do" list into "been there, done all of that" on this 16-day tour up Australia’s East Coast. This classic Sydney-to-Cairns route introduces you to both sides of modern Australia — the bright lights of the big city and the raw beauty of the rugged coastline. You’ll get to try your hand at everything from surfing to sailing and snorkelling. And when you travel in small groups, you'll get to meet the locals and experience their land as they do. That amazing new frontier you’ve been looking for? Here it is.

Learn to surf at Spot X Surf Camp
Bliss out in famous Byron Bay
Learn about Indigenous culture on an overnight stay on K'gari (Fraser Island)
Duration: 16 days
Start/Finish City: Sydney to Cairns
Service Level: Basic
Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.
Physical Grading: 3 - Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 20, avg 16

Group Leader Description
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and driver - this person is experienced in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.

As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.

We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.

Group Size Notes
Max 20, avg 16

Meals Included
6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.

Please note that most included breakfasts will consist of cereal, milk, bread and spreads, juice, tea and instant coffee. Having a simple breakfast together most days allows us the flexibility to get on the road early and get from point A to B all that much faster.

Transport
Private vehicle, train, maxi yacht, 4x4 vehicle, ferry, walking, bus

About our Transportation
Our vans are mini-coaches. Occasionally with smaller group sizes we will use smaller, equally comfortable 13-seater vehicles. All mini-coaches tow a trailer for luggage and camping equipment (when needed). All groups have one CEO/Driver.

The vehicles are factory built with comfortable seats and air-conditioning. It is mandatory to wear a seatbelt while riding in our vehicles.

Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Accommodation
Hostels (13 nts, multi-share with 4-8 people), overnight train (1 nt), remote beach accommodation (1nt multi-share) All nights are multi-share on this trip.

About Accommodation
Please note that multi-share accommodation is very popular in Australia and is the way you will be spending most of your nights.
This may involve 4-6 group members sharing and even (on rare occasions) dormitory-style rooms for the whole group. It is also worth noting that all multi-share accommodation is generally split by gender in Australia. The majority of accommodation will have shared bathroom facilities. We have specifically chosen unique accommodations to give local flavour to your trip.

Where we use multi-share hostels, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic Travel Style.

Joining Instructions
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

From Sydney airport (SYD), to reach your starting accommodation you can take the Sydney Airport Shuttle, the Train or a local taxi. Please go to the airport information desk for assistance.
Please note, if taking the train, the station is under the airport terminal.

Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.

Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details!

If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

Arrival Complications
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

 

Donna Jones
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